In an age where information is more accessible than ever before, many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to stay on top of current events. It’s no surprise. The 24-hour news cycle, endless political commentary, and constant stream of headlines can feel overwhelming—especially when so much of it seems to blur together. This phenomenon, often dubbed “news fatigue,” can make it tempting to tune out and retreat into a world of personal distractions, leaving us uninformed and disconnected from the workings of our own government.
But as citizens of a republic, we cannot afford to disengage. Our democracy relies on an informed electorate—one that understands the decisions being made on their behalf, especially in state legislatures where policies that affect our daily lives are crafted. West Virginia is no exception.
There is a growing trend in our state where certain lawmakers are voting in ways that align more closely with the interests of corporate donors than with the needs of their constituents. Politicians, both Republican and Democrat, have been known to prioritize the financial interests of powerful corporations over the will of the people they serve. This trend is especially troubling when it comes to corporate welfare—policies that funnel state funds into the pockets of businesses, often at the expense of working West Virginians.
Before Governor Patrick Morrisey and the leadership transition in the State Senate, numerous pieces of legislation were debated and passed in the West Virginia Legislature that directly benefited corporate donors, while doing little to address the pressing needs of everyday residents. Whether it’s repealing necessary regulations that protect people who have suffered injuries, or subsidies for troubled out-of-state corporations that have little to offer local communities, these actions are not representative of the interests of the voters who elected these officials. Yet, because of the complex nature of political reporting and the sheer volume of content that consumes social media, many voters remain unaware of the full extent of these betrayals.
This is why we must fight against news fatigue. Staying informed on how our delegates and senators are voting, especially on issues like corporate welfare, is critical to holding them accountable. The legislative process can be murky, and it’s easy for politicians to hide behind jargon, complex bills, or the fast pace of legislative sessions.
At Mountaineer Journal, we are committed to cutting through the noise. We do the hard work of researching key issues, tracking votes, and providing coverage of floor debates so that you, the citizens of West Virginia, don’t have to wade through pages of complex political content just to stay informed. We make it easy to understand where your representatives stand on the issues that matter most to you.
It’s not just about whether a legislator belongs to a certain party—it’s about how they vote on specific issues that impact the lives of ordinary West Virginians. Does your senator stand with the people, or do they cast votes that enrich powerful corporations while offering little in return to the working class? Are they advocating for policies that benefit the many, or are they listening more closely to the lobbyists who fund their campaigns?
We understand that it’s easy to become fatigued by the constant barrage of information. But the stakes are too high. The policies enacted in Charleston affect our way of life. In the face of corporate interests pushing for policies that prioritize profit over people, it’s essential that we stay vigilant.
So, we ask you to take the time to stay informed. Research your delegates and senators. Look at how they vote on key issues, especially those related to corporate welfare. Do they support policies that put West Virginians first, or are they selling us out to the highest bidder?
By staying informed, we empower ourselves to make smarter decisions at the ballot box. After all, it’s our votes that keep our republic in check. Let’s not allow news fatigue to stop us from doing our part in shaping the future of our state.
Mountaineer Journal will continue to provide the coverage you need, so you don’t have to navigate this political landscape alone. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our state is led by those who truly represent the interests of its people, not the corporate elite.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay empowered.
